Fly on the wings of the Dragon to Bhutan, on arrival in Paro International Airport, complete the immigration formalities and exit through only one arrival gate where our dedicated team will welcome you with khaddar and proceed to Thimphu which will take about an hour and half. The route will follow Paro River until Chuzom from where we will bend towards the Thimphu river taking us to the heart of the capital city Thimphu. The entire stretch of drives is very scenic and picturesque as we pass by some of the beautiful villages of Bondey, Shaba, Isina etc until we enter the welcome gate in Thimphu. En-route we will stop over Tachogang Lhakhang: En-route to Thimphu, stopover for a little leg stretch walk crossing Paro River or enjoy the views from the roadside depending on your arrival time. We will explore the city by walking: If time permits, walking through the city gives you immense joys and understanding of modern city. Good option for imported garments and local souvenirs, beside unique local handicrafts. Thimphu offers a mixed style of personalities taking the street walk in Thimphu- the only city in the world without traffic lights. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m
Thimphu- This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is the most modern city with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers. However it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization, often referred to as the world 's only city without traffic lights. Textile Museum: The National Textile Museum which opened in June 2001, is worth a leisurely visit to get to know the living national art of weaving. Changing exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men.
The small shop features work from the renowned weaving centers in Lhuntshe Dzongkhag, in north-eastern Bhutan. Each item is leveled with the name of the weaver and price. The textile museum's exhibitions are centered around six major themes - warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles from indigenous fibers and the royal collection. Visit Buddha viewpoint: The Buddha Dordenma is located at the top of the hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley. Drive pass by Memorial: It is located close to the center of Thimphu city and is one of its most iconic monuments. Visitors will find elderly Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day. The National Memorial Chorten was built in memory of Late Third King of Bhutan and dedicated to World Peace.
The Third King is regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. Visit an interesting weekend market: An interesting well-organized permanent set of stalls built for vegetable vendors across the country. Its open from Wednesday to Monday and closed on Tuesdays. One can find a wide range of local vegetables and fruits. Witness ongoing live archery matches in Changlimithang: Archery is the national game of Bhutan, it is amazing to see Bhutanese archers hitting targets from a distance of 145 meters range. Bhutan has top archers in some categories at the Olympic Games. Overnight in Thimphu
Start the most scenic drive to Punakha from Thimphu over Dochula pass which takes about two hours. After the break at Dochula, the road descends into Wangdue and Punakha taking us to one of the warmest places of Bhutan. Dochula pass: The pass is at a popular location as it offers a stunning 180 degree panoramic view of the Great Himalayan mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic and very clear on winter days with snow capped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 Chorten gracing the mountain pass. Lamperi Botanical garden: The Park has many varieties of plants, herbs, birds and animals.
If you visit between April and June, you can find about 38 out of Bhutan's 46 species of rhododendrons and spot some of the 220 species of birds. This park is one of the must visit places for birds and nature lovers. You may enjoy the hot packed lunch here if you had planned a picnic. Punakha Dzong: Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo, religious head of Bhutan. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. This is one of the finest and must see Dzong of Bhutan.
The Dzong stands in between the meeting point of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu making the most photogenic Dzong of Bhutan. Visit Punakha Suspension Bridge: Punakha suspension bridge is considered one of the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the dzong with the villages Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha on the other bank of the Po Chhu river. In these small villages, locals sell their wares in tiny, traditional shops. Visitors can stop here for a quick and authentic view of true Bhutan. In order to access the suspension bridge from the dzong, one must walk past the King’s palace and the cremation ground. Overnight in Punakha, altitude 1350m
As we say goodbye to Punakha Valley, we will retrace the journey back to Thimphu crossing over Dochula, up until Chuzom and further to Paro. The entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you a second chance to enjoy the great snow capped mountain views of the Himalayas. Chimi Lhakhang, Temple of fertility: This temple is known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that childless couples can visit this temple to pray for better fertility to conceive the child. There are stories and incidents that many visitors dream of, however one must truly need to believe and follow the lama’s instructions. The hike though the lovely villages of Mesina gives a truly amazing experience. Enjoy the gentle walks from the road head.
Visit 17th century Paro Dzong: 'Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, is ranked one of the best Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, particularly when landing at Paro Airport. The Dzong also offers the administrative seat of the district of Paro. The Dzong was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Ta Dzong unique national museum: Perched above Paro Dzong it was a watchtower built in 1649 to protect the undefended Paro Dzong located below, renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Today this museum houses the best collections of all time historical items making it worth a visit.
Explore the tiny town: Tiny Paro town actually can offer a lot more, there are many authentic handicraft shops, readily available Bhutan made products, grocery and imported garment shops beside having many small restaurants around. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m
This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more historical sites, high-end tourist resorts and many souvenir shops for shopping including world famous Takstang. Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest Temple): is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley.
Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take the whole day to complete the hike. Kyichu Lhakhang: Temple considered sacred Jewel of Bhutan was established by the Buddhist King Songstsen Gampo of Tibet to overcome the giant ogress that laid across Tibet and Himalayas preventing the spread of Buddhism. The king is believed to have built the temple at the left foot of the enormous ogress. Kyichu Lhakhang was among 12 temples in Bhutan out of 108 temples said to have been constructed over a single night. Kyichu Lhakhang was initially small in size however later, the temple expanded both in grandeur and size to its form that we see today. Overnight in Paro
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